So, you're a Junior?
We're glad you have started to look for colleges to attend!Here are some things you can do to make getting into college a lot easier!
JUNIOR YEAR - FALL
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Begin to pray that God would lead you to the right college for you. -
Study hard! This is the last full year of grades that most college admissions officers will see before deciding if you can 'make the grade' at their school.
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Take the PSAT/NMSQT. Juniors with the highest scores in their states qualify for National Merit Scholarships! At MCC National Merit Scholars (and semi-finalists!) qualify for a full ride scholarship that includes tuition for four years! (Yep, that's worth over $40,000!)
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Go to the college fairs in your area and meet the college reps.
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Begin to read the college viewbooks, visit the college websites, and request more information about the schools that interest you.
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Check out the costs of these schools. Meet with your guidance counselor and begin to make a list of available scholarships and grants that you can apply for from civic groups, major corporations, your church, and internet searches.
WINTER/SPRING
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Register to take the SAT, ACT and any Advance Placement tests this spring.
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Begin to have a major in mind. Discuss it with your parents, pastor, and guidance counselor.
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Narrow down your college choices to the top 10 or 15. Begin investigating them more closely.
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Start visiting campuses. Spend a night in the dorm if you can, and attend classes.
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Check out your senior course schedule to make sure you will have the credits you need for graduation and your college choices.
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Continue to pray and seek the counsel of your parents and other Godly people in your life who want God's blessings for you as you seek His plans for your life!
SUMMER
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Get organized! Create files for your top colleges and keep all the information they send you.
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Get ready to fill out your college and scholarship applications by creating a 'resume' of your activities and experiences. This will help make sure you don't forget something when you're filling out all those forms. Be sure to include a profile of yourself that describes your strengths and skill.
SENIOR YEAR - FALL
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Remember to keep praying for God's guidance! -
If you didn't like your SAT or ACT test results from last spring, make plans to retake the test(s) this fall.
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If you haven't visited the campus -- do it as soon as possible.
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Narrow down your top school choices to a maximum of six!
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Ask those schools for an application and start working on them. Be sure to get any needed references completed as well.
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Get ready for financial aid. Do you have the FAFSA form (usually available in late November - it cannot be sent in until January 1)? How about the school codes so that your schools get the needed information?
Your senior year is not a good year for your parents to put off preparing their taxes until April! Some need-based programs have limited funds and are awarded on a first-come-first-served basis.
From this point on the schools you are interested in will be providing you with specific dates and deadlines for everything from scholarships and housing contracts to enrollment dates. Never be afraid to ask them any question!